Bibi was sitting by the window, watching the golden glow of the late afternoon sun as it stretched across the quiet street. It had been days since she last saw the poor stray dog she had grown fond of. Every afternoon, the thin, scruffy dog with golden fur would wander by her house, tail wagging weakly as if greeting her. But for the past week, he had disappeared. Bibi’s heart ached with worry. Had something happened to him?
She had named him Lucky, though luck had never seemed to be on his side. His ribs showed through his fur, and his eyes carried the weight of a life spent struggling. Yet, despite his hardships, he always had a gentle demeanor. Bibi had started leaving food for him, and each time he saw her, his tail wagged a little faster. A silent bond had formed between them, one built on kindness and quiet understanding.
But then, one day, he stopped coming.
Bibi had asked around, but no one had seen him. She checked the usual places—behind the bakery where he sometimes lingered, near the park where he liked to rest under a tree—but there was no sign of Lucky. With each passing day, her hope dwindled, and her heart grew heavy.
Then, one morning, while she was helping her grandmother bake bread, her friend Mia burst through the door, out of breath but smiling. “Bibi! I saw him!”
Bibi’s heart skipped a beat. “Lucky? Where?”
“He’s at the shelter!” Mia said, eyes bright with excitement. “Someone found him on the other side of town and took him in. He’s safe!”
Bibi felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her. She had feared the worst, but Lucky was alive! Without a second thought, she untied her apron and grabbed her coat. “I have to see him!”
Mia grinned. “I thought you’d say that. Let’s go!”
The animal shelter wasn’t far, but to Bibi, the walk felt like an eternity. She couldn’t stop thinking about how Lucky must have felt—alone, confused, maybe even scared. Had he thought she had abandoned him? Would he recognize her? Would he still wag his tail when he saw her?
When they arrived at the shelter, a kind-looking woman greeted them. “Hello, girls. How can I help you?”
Bibi hesitated for only a second before saying, “I’m looking for a dog. A golden stray. My friend said he was brought here.”
The woman’s face softened. “Ah, you must mean the little one we named Sunny. He was found a few days ago, weak and dehydrated. But he’s doing much better now.”
Bibi’s heart pounded. “Can I see him?”
“Of course. Follow me.”
As they walked through the shelter, the sound of barking and the occasional meow filled the air. Bibi’s stomach was in knots. And then, they reached a small, cozy kennel near the back. Inside, curled up on a soft blanket, was Lucky.
At first, he didn’t notice them. He looked tired but better cared for than she had ever seen him. His fur, though still a little messy, had been cleaned, and his eyes weren’t as sad as before.
Bibi took a deep breath and whispered, “Lucky?”
His ears perked up.
Then, as if a switch had been flipped, his head shot up, and his tail started wagging furiously. He scrambled to his feet and rushed to the gate, his paws pressing against it as he let out an excited whimper. It was as if he couldn’t believe his eyes.
Tears welled up in Bibi’s eyes as she knelt down, reaching through the bars to stroke his soft fur. “Oh, Lucky. I missed you so much.”
He licked her hand, his entire body trembling with excitement. It was clear—he remembered her.
The shelter worker smiled. “It looks like he remembers you.”
Bibi nodded, barely able to speak through the lump in her throat. “I was so worried about him.”
“We’re doing our best to find him a good home,” the woman said kindly. “Would you be interested in adopting him?”
Bibi’s breath caught. Adopt him? The thought had never crossed her mind before, but now that it was spoken aloud, it felt so right. Lucky belonged with her. But there was one problem—her parents.
“I—I don’t know if my parents will let me,” she admitted, her heart sinking. “They’ve always said no to having a pet.”
The woman nodded in understanding. “Maybe if they saw how much he means to you, they might change their minds.”
Mia nudged her. “You have to try, Bibi. Lucky deserves a real home.”
Bibi looked at Lucky, who was still wagging his tail, his eyes filled with hope. She made up her mind. “I’ll talk to them.”
That evening, Bibi sat down with her parents and told them everything—how she had met Lucky, how she had cared for him, and how much he meant to her. She pleaded with them, explaining that he had no one else and that she would take full responsibility for him.
Her parents exchanged a look, and for a moment, Bibi thought they would say no. But then, her mother sighed and smiled. “You really love this dog, don’t you?”
Bibi nodded eagerly. “More than anything.”
Her father chuckled. “Well, I suppose every home needs a little more love. But you have to promise to take care of him.”
Bibi nearly jumped out of her seat. “I will! I promise!”
The next morning, she raced back to the shelter with her parents, her heart pounding with excitement. When she arrived, Lucky was already waiting for her, his tail wagging wildly the moment he saw her.
As the shelter workers finalized the adoption papers, Bibi knelt down and wrapped her arms around Lucky. “You’re coming home, Lucky. You’re finally home.”
And as they walked out of the shelter together, Lucky at her side, Bibi knew one thing for sure—she had never been happier.
